Hello new here. Need advice..

Hi. I'm 22 and I've been my moms caregiver for about seven months now. I recall feeling "normal" for the first few months but depression is really starting to hit me and I'm scared. I've been dealing with anxiety for years as it is. I don't get any help from family. None of my friends never understood what I went/am going through. I feel extremely alone on top of the caregiver stress. Any tips on meeting people and/or dealing with a situation like this?

Hi Melina:
I hope you are coping OK. I'm caregiver for my wife, who has secondary progressive MS.
Anxiety and major depression are very familiar to me and have been for years. Not all is directly related to caregiving.
Things that help me cope include meds and a good therapist who I see regularly. I count on a few friends though I'm not sure they always "get it." My depression has been bad the past few months. With doctor's recommendation I will soon be doing a round of shock treatments(now called ECT).
I am hoping I can make some connections here that will also provide support.

I've been caring for my wife for 4 years. You are not alone. There are many here going through it and feeling the same if not similar things. I don't know how I do it, to be honest. I just take 1 day, 1 hour, 1 thing at a time and try to get the most out of any "me" time (which is VERY little) I can get.

Melina good for you! Just a couple of suggestions that have helped me throughout my life while dealing with depression and anxiety and now caregiver for mom and dad, both w dementia!

I have been prescribed Zoloft and have been off and on the prescription now for going on 20 years. I have found that this drug is a must for me. Mom and Dad have recently both been prescribed this also and I have definitely noticed improvement. They started Mom on a very low dose and after a month increased it and has made real progress with her depression and anxiety.

I am 54 and believe that I probably wouldn't be here today if it weren't for this medication. I have also found it helpful to speak with a therapist. You may have to see more than one to find the right match for you. Like I said these have helped me and I will say a prayer for you. God Bless.

I am so on the same page with you. I have talked to doctors and I am also on Zoloft to help me deal with the frustrations and irritations however, what's helped me more than anything is talking to a counselor every week. I would check your health insurance to see what it covers for mental health and go as much as you can. You can also check with local hospitals for support groups. I know it feels better to talk to people who are dealing with the same things.

Hi Melina,
I am wondering how you are doing? Would be willing to communicate through email or phone if you would like? I also agree with CLynn's comment about talking with a counselor and support groups!

Hi..Like many of us, even I am dealing with my spouse who is severely depressed. It is very difficult to sustain I understand and whatsoever strength you possess, you tend to lose all hopes at some point of time..It happens with me and I fear, while taking care of her, I myself will get into depression..But I do take conscious efforts to keep my motivation to fight..I have consciously increased my physical work out ..I do cycling for miles and have started running on regular basis..It has been helping a lot to push away the negative energy..Many studies have also suggest strong relation between sound mental health and physical activities..I guess, you should try this..It works..It gives you a feeling of achievement which otherwise you tend to lose..

Helpful Links

Caregiver Action Network

Caregiver Action Network is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.